It’s a sad fact that too many Australians are still dying in house fires and from the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. And the reality is, many house fire deaths are entirely preventable. No building is ever immune to fire, but by taking these easy steps, you can rest at night knowing you’ve done all you can to fire proof your home.
Smoke Alarms
Every house needs at least one smoke alarm. A good rule of thumb is to have at least one smoke alarm on every floor of your house, including basements. It’s a proven fact that smoke alarms save lives, so investing the few dollars involved in installing them is a no-brainer. Well over half of fire deaths occur in homes without a working smoke alarm, so once you’ve bought your smoke alarms, make sure they are properly maintained and have working batteries. Also, if you’ve had your smoke alarms for a few years, it might be worth updating them with new technology that has longer battery life and increased sensitivity.
Electrical Appliances
Wires, switches and connectors all deteriorate with age and all electrical connections in your house should be regularly checked to see if any new fire risks have arisen. Also, never use large appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers overnight or when you are out of the house. Most house fires start in kitchens (the second most common source is bedrooms), so pay particular attention to these appliance-heavy areas. And when it comes to electrical installations, it’s always best to leave it to the professionals. For an expert electrician Perth relies on Thornbury Electrics for the peace of mind that comes with a job well done.
Escape Routes
If the worst happens and you and your family find yourselves in a house fire, does everyone know the procedure for getting out? Every household should have a clear plan of their fire escape route. This route should not be obstructed and it’s essential to take time to make plans for more vulnerable people such as the elderly, children and the disabled.
Other Equipment
For some people, for example, those living in high-risk bush fire areas, it’s worthwhile thinking about adding to their smoke alarms with more fire safety equipment. If you store flammable goods in your house, it’s advisable to have a fire extinguisher on hand and don’t forget that fire blankets are a relatively cheap yet effective weapon in saving lives and valued property in the event of a fire. However, none of this equipment will save you unless you and everyone else living in your house knows how to use it, so it’s crucial to make sure everyone is familiar with what to do so that they can act quickly should the unthinkable happen.
If you’re looking for a friendly, reliable electrician Victoria Park is well served by the professionals at Thornbury Electrics. Call now on (08) 93678840 for a chat about how we can meet your electrical safety needs.